Q: What ages are your summer art camps for?
A: Our camps are designed for children and teens ages 6–16. Different sessions are grouped by grade level, so projects and instruction are appropriate and engaging for each developmental level.

Q: How are campers grouped?
A: Campers are typically grouped in ranges such as grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-11, though exact groupings may vary by week and enrollment. This helps ensure that activities, materials, and instruction are tailored to each group’s skill level.

Q: What types of art activities do you offer?
A: Depending on the week, campers may explore drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, glass, ceramics, and more. Each session focuses on creative exploration and skill-building using various art techniques.

Q: What are the camp hours?
A: A typical summer camp day runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please check your specific session dates for exact times. Spring camp and Day camps hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Q: Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up?
A: Yes, optional extended care is available before and after camp for an additional fee. Times and pricing may vary by camp type and must be reserved in advance.

Q: What does a typical camp day look like?
A: Camp days generally include a morning art block, a snack break, a second creative block, lunch, and two afternoon creative blocks, with breaks built in to keep campers energized.

Q: How do I register my child for camp?
A: Registration can be completed online through our website. Families may browse sessions by dates to complete the registration form and payment to secure a spot.

Q: Is a deposit required to hold a space?
A: Yes, a nonrefundable deposit is required at registration. Your child’s spot is not guaranteed until full payment is received, and your registration is confirmed via email.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept major credit, debit cards and ACH payments. Details will appear at checkout during online registration.

Q: Do you offer discounts or financial assistance?
A: We may offer sibling discounts, multi-week discounts, or early bird discounts. Availability and eligibility vary each year; please refer to the current camp brochure or contact our office for details.

Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: Cancellations made by a specific deadline may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, minus the nonrefundable deposit. Cancellations after that date are generally not refundable. Please refer to the camp session for more information.

Q: Can I switch weeks or transfer my child to a different session?
A: Session changes may be possible if space is available. A change fee may apply, and all changes must be requested in writing one week before the camp start date.

Q: What happens if the camp is cancelled by the art center?
A: In the rare case that a session is cancelled due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, families will be notified as soon as possible and offered a transfer, credit, or full refund.

Q: What safety protocols do you have in place?
A: Safety is our top priority. All staff receive training in child supervision and safe use of art materials, and designated staff are certified in basic first aid/CPR. Studios, tools and art materials are age appropriate and always monitored. In addition, each classroom is equipped with certified first aid equipment if needed.

Q: What is your camper-to-staff ratio?
A: Ratios vary by age group, but we aim for small groups that allow for individual attention. Our typical ratio is 2:8 for smaller groups and 3:14 for larger groups.

Q: How do you handle allergies and medical needs?
A: Families must list all allergies and medical conditions during registration. Our team reviews this information prior to camp and follows any documented care plans. Please speak with staff on the first day to review any important details. All medications are provided by the registering parent to the camp staff and are stored in the camp office.

Q: What is your sick child policy?
A: Campers who are sick should stay home. If a child becomes sick during the day, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick them up as soon as possible.

Q: Do you provide snacks or lunch?
A: Families are responsible for sending a nut-free lunch and refillable water bottle each day. Workhouse Camps does not provide snacks or lunches.

Q: Are you a nut free camp?
A: Yes, we are a nut free camp.

Q: How often do campers get breaks or outdoor time?
A: Camp days include scheduled snack and lunch breaks, plus short movement breaks. When possible, and weather permitting, groups may have outdoor or non-art time to stretch and reset between projects.

Q: What should my child wear to camp?
A: Campers should wear comfortable clothing that can get messy, along with closed-toe shoes. Smocks or aprons are welcome, but paint, clay, and other materials can sometimes stain them.

Q: What should my child bring each day?
A: Please send a labeled water bottle, lunch, any necessary medications. All personal items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name.

Q: Are electronics or toys allowed?
A: Personal electronics, toys, and valuables are strongly discouraged and should be left at home. The art center is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items.

Q: What will my child’s projects be like?
A: Projects vary by week and instructor but always emphasize creativity, experimentation, and skill-building. Campers are encouraged to try new materials, express their own ideas, and build confidence in their artistic voice.

Q: When can we pick up finished artwork?
A: Most 2D projects go home at the end of the week. For ceramics or other pieces that require additional firing or finishing, a separate pickup date will be provided in your end-of-week communication.

Q: Will all campers complete the same projects?
A: Many sessions have shared themes, but campers are encouraged to personalize their work. Each age group might have a different difficulty level within the same shared theme.

Q: Who teaches the camps?
A: Camps are led by experienced teaching artists and art educators who specialize in working with children and teens. Many also maintain active professional studio practices in their disciplines on Workhouse campus.

Q: Do you perform background checks on staff?
A: All staff and interns who work directly with campers undergo appropriate screening and background checks as part of our hiring process.

Q: How do you support different skill levels?
A: Workhouse camps welcome both beginners and more experienced young artists. Instructors provide step-by-step guidance, demonstrations, and individualized support so each camper can work at a comfortable pace and challenge level.

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Q: Do you take photos during camp?
A: Our staff may take photos or short videos of campers working and finished artworks for internal documentation and promotional use. Families can opt out of photography during registration if they prefer.

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Q: How will I receive camp updates?
A: A welcome email with detailed information is sent before each session begins. During the week, important reminders or any urgent communication will be sent via email to the primary contact on file.

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Q: Who do I contact with questions before or during camp?
A: For registration or payment questions, please contact our education coordinator Violetta Nagy at violettanagy@workhousearts.com or 703-584-2934. For day of camp concerns such as late drop-off, early pickup, use the contact information provided in your welcome email. For any other questions please email at camps@workhousearts.org

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